6.10.17

Five Military Personnel Including Pilot, Engineer, Others Dead as Air Force Helicopter Crashes

An Indian air force helicopter has crashed in the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, killing five military personnel. A total of at least five military personnel were killed when an
Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crashed near Tawang in Arunachal
Pradesh this morning.

The Mi-17 V5 chopper was on an "air maintenance mission"
at an altitude of 17,000 feet when it crashed around 6 am, according to
the Air Force. The helicopter was carrying supplies to a forward post of
the Indian Army in the mountainous region.

Another report said that the bodies of seven, including the pilot,
co-pilot, flight engineer and two army officers, have been found at the
crash site at Yangchi, 130 km from Tawang town and close to the border
with China.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to establish what caused the
crash. Sources say senior pilots were flying the chopper - one was a
wing commander and the other, a squadron leader.

The Russian-made Mi-17 V5 chopper is the backbone of the Air Force.

Over 150 such helicopters are in service and 48 more have been
requisitioned. The Mi-17 can carry a substantial payload to higher
altitudes and has a very powerful engine.

The tragedy took place a day ahead of Air Force Day celebrations.

At a press conference yesterday to mark the occasion, Air Chief
Marshal BS Dhanoa had spoken about a string of air crashes in recent
years.

"Our losses in the peacetime are a cause of concern. We are
making concerted efforts to minimise accidents and preserve our assets," the Air Chief said.